Chapter 13 – Kyūjō's New Sword
Staring at Himejima Gyōmei's calm face and unseeing eyes, Tachibana Kyūjō couldn't hold back his curiosity any longer.
"Gyōmei-san... your eyes don't see. But earlier, how were you able to steer that carriage?"
Gyōmei pressed his palms together and bowed slightly toward Kyūjō, his expression peaceful as always.
"Thunder Hashira-dono, it is true that I am blind... but in return, my sense of hearing has grown far sharper than most. Namu Amida Butsu."
Kyūjō blinked in surprise.
And then—understanding sparked in his mind.
He believed Gyōmei completely. After all, he himself had been born with an exceptional affinity for the five senses. In fact, there were records of people like Kamado Tanjiro, who could smell emotions, malice, even the threads between life and death in battle.
Tanjiro's ability to perceive the "Opening Thread" in combat... likely stemmed from his enhanced sense of smell.
So then—if Gyōmei also had such natural potential...
What if I taught him my family's secret training method?
A technique passed down through generations. One that sharpened all five senses to their utmost limits—until the sixth sense awakened.
And when the sixth sense bloomed fully...
—That was the doorway to the Transparent World.
If Gyōmei could reach that realm, his power would increase dramatically. He was, after all, the man known in the original timeline as the strongest Stone Hashira in the Demon Slayer Corps.
But back then, Gyōmei only awakened the Transparent World during his final battle against Kokushibo—Upper Moon One—at the age of twenty-seven.
And he died that very day, succumbing to injuries and the strain of unleashing his Mark.
But now… maybe Kyūjō could change that fate.
He wasn't one to cling to his family's techniques for himself. If he could help this man survive and protect others for longer—he'd do it in a heartbeat.
— — —
A few days later, Kyūjō brought Gyōmei to the forest just outside Tōshō City—where he'd often trained with Kuwajima Jigorō.
"Gyōmei-san, there's a technique that's been passed down in my family. A training method to hone the senses," Kyūjō explained.
"If taken far enough, it awakens the sixth sense—something we call Kenshin Tōmei."
"With it, you can perceive even the smallest changes around you. You'll sense the world without needing to see. You might even detect the structure of objects themselves."
"I believe you have what it takes. That's why I want to teach you this technique."
Gyōmei was stunned by the offer.
The idea of 'seeing' the world again—even without sight—was something he deeply desired. But to accept a sacred technique from another family so freely... it felt wrong.
"Thunder Hashira-dono... I am grateful. Truly. But I cannot accept such a gift lightly. Namu Amida Butsu."
Kyūjō sighed and crossed his arms, giving Gyōmei a firm look.
"You need this."
"As a Demon Slayer, the stronger you become, the more lives you can save."
"If you refuse this... are you saying you don't want to save people?"
"And don't get me wrong. Just because I'm teaching you doesn't mean you'll master it. This technique isn't easy."
"You know... in over a thousand years of Tachibana family history, only two people have ever awakened the sixth sense."
Those words silenced Gyōmei.
A long pause followed. Then, with a slow, reverent bow, he said,
"...If that is the truth, then please... allow me to accept your teachings. I will carry your goodwill with me—and turn it into strength to save lives. Namu Amida Butsu."
Kyūjō waved his hand nonchalantly.
"Then stop wasting time. Let's begin."
Despite his laid-back tone, Kyūjō was sincere. He wasn't doing this out of duty—but because he genuinely wanted to change someone's destiny.
— — —
Three days later, in the same forest.
Himejima Gyōmei stood tall in full gear—this time wielding his personal weapon: his custom-made Nichirin armament.
When Kyūjō saw it, his expression almost cracked into laughter.
What... is that?
It wasn't a sword. Not even close.
In Gyōmei's right hand was a massive spiked flail, and in his left, an enormous axe. The two were connected by a thick, heavy chain—more like a medieval war tool than a sword.
This wasn't designed to slice off demon heads.
This was made to obliterate them.
Of course, Kyūjō was there that day too—because today's sparring partner for Gyōmei... was him.
His new sword had just been completed—crafted based on the blade he used in his past life.
And naturally, a new blade had to be tested.
Originally, Kyūjō planned to spar with Jigorō. But the old man flat-out refused, saying he wouldn't embarrass himself in front of Oyakata-sama.
So instead—Gyōmei.
Not that Gyōmei was weak. But compared to Jigorō, who had been a Thunder Hashira for decades, Gyōmei had only trained in Stone Breathing for about a year.
Still... change was coming.
—
That day, the forest was livelier than usual.
Kagaya himself had come to watch, alongside the retired Thunder Hashira, Jigorō. Even off-duty Kakushi members stationed in Tōshō gathered to witness the match.
A duel between the rising stars of the next generation.
—
Kyūjō slowly drew his sword from his hip.
The handle was wrapped in alternating threads of blue and gold, the guard shaped like a lightning bolt caught mid-strike.
Beneath the handguard, four characters were carved deep into the steel: Slayer of Evil Demons.
The blade was razor-sharp, shimmering with cold steel that caught the light at a dangerous angle.
The spine of the sword was left unpolished, showing its obsidian-black base metal. The mix of silver and black gave it a refined, deadly beauty.
Kyūjō nodded in satisfaction.
Now this… this is a true Nichirin Blade.
Suddenly, a golden glow surged from the hilt to the tip—almost as if the sword had accepted its new master.
Kyūjō swung the blade twice, adjusting to its weight, then turned to face Gyōmei.
"I'm ready. Let's go."
Gyōmei gave a small nod.
"Namu Amida Butsu."
"Stone Breathing, First Form: Serpentinite Bipolar."
The flail and axe shot forward like meteorites, tearing through the air with monstrous force—hurtling toward Kyūjō, who stood tall and still, his new blade gleaming in the light.
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